‘Funding will connect community post-Covid’

A $150,000 boost to Timaru District events will be key to ‘‘reconnecting our community’’ after lockdown, the head of Aoraki Development says.

The Timaru District Council has voted to give $150,000 of its new $2 million stimulus fund to the economic development and tourism agency, which could then funnel the money into events.

The balance of $1.85m will remain for major projects.

‘‘It’s exciting to be in a position to do more to retain and grow existing events and also attract new events,’’ Aoraki Development chief executive Nigel Davenport said.

‘‘We need to, and will be, fully accountable as to how this funding is spent by clearly evidencing the community-wide benefits associated with the events supported.’’

The council devised the fund, of which the agency is getting a slice, to stimulate the district’s economy and boost community wellbeing amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘‘We are working with [the council] to quickly finalise the funding’s exact criteria, but it will be important events that are commercially sustainable and bring clear economic and social benefits to as many corners of our community as possible [are supported].’’

Davenport said getting the targeted funding was great news because promoting and supporting local events over the coming months would ‘‘play a key role in reconnecting our community postCovid’’.

‘‘It’s important to note that a level of targeted and well-informed financial support often makes the difference between a valuable event happening or not.’’

‘‘It’s exciting to be in a position to do more to retain and grow existing events and also attract new events.’’ Nigel Davenport

Aoraki Development chief executive

He pointed to this year’s South Island Masters Games, which was in real danger of being canned before the council agreed to pour $60,000 into funding it.

The Games alternate between Nelson and Timaru each year and draw more than 2000 participants across 20 sports.

‘‘This retained a long-standing local iconic event that provides an estimated economic benefit to the district in excess of $1.6m, let alone the social benefits associated with health and wellbeing,’’ Davenport said.